Description
Little Gem salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed salad featuring crisp Little Gem lettuce leaves, creamy dressing, homemade croutons, baby tomatoes, and thinly sliced shallots for a satisfying meal. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, or as a homemade dish that elevates any occasion. Easily paired with grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise (substitute Greek yogurt or olive oil-based dressing for vegan diets)
– 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (substitute balsamic vinegar or lemon juice if needed)
– 2 tsp water
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1½ tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
– Sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and sugar (to taste)
For the Croutons:
– 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
– ½ baguette (French bread or sourdough), cut into small cubes
– Sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley (to taste)
For the Salad Base:
– 4 cups Little Gem lettuce leaves (substitute romaine or butter lettuce if needed)
– 1 cup tiny baby tomatoes
– 1 small shallot, thinly sliced (soak in ice water if too strong)
– 1½ tbsp fresh chives, snipped
Instructions
- In a small glass jar, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, vegetable oil, white wine vinegar, water, Dijon mustard, chives, sea salt, black pepper, and sugar. Seal with an airtight lid and shake well to combine. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Melt butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bread cubes and season with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Cook, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside to cool.
- Toss Little Gem lettuce leaves with a small amount of the creamy dressing to lightly coat. Arrange on a serving plate.
- Top the lettuce with baby tomatoes, thinly sliced shallots, and fresh chives. Drizzle with more creamy dressing and serve the remaining dressing on the side.
- Add the homemade croutons just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
Notes
– Use fresh, crisp Little Gem lettuce for maximum crunch and flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store components separately in the fridge for up to 1–2 days (without dressing and croutons). Avoid freezing, as this salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg